# What changes for BCBA certification in 2027?

> The two remaining pathways, the new fieldwork rules, CEU changes and who's affected.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/bcba-2027-requirements
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** From January 1, 2027, BCBA applicants can use two pathways: an accredited or recognized degree program (Pathway 1) or a master's degree plus 315 hours of coursework (Pathway 2). Fieldwork stays at 2,000 supervised or 1,500 concentrated hours, with new rules: up to 160 hours per period, 60 or 90 minutes of observation, and 7.5% supervision for concentrated fieldwork.

**Key takeaways**
- From **January 1, 2027**, there are **two pathways** to BCBA eligibility.
- **Pathway 2 will be removed in 2032.**
- Fieldwork hours stay at **2,000 or 1,500**, with **new supervision and observation rules**.
- BCBAs need **32 CEUs** per 2-year cycle, including **4 ethics** and **4 supervision** (for supervisors).

## What are the 2027 pathways?

- **Pathway 1:** a master's or higher from an APBA-accredited program, or from a program accredited or recognized by ABAI (Tier 1, 2a or 2b), earned in 2015 or later.
- **Pathway 2:** a master's or higher in any field, plus 315 hours of behavior-analytic coursework.

Both require supervised fieldwork and passing the BCBA exam.[1]

## What changed in fieldwork?

| Rule | Supervised | Concentrated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hours required | 2,000 | 1,500 |
| Supervision per supervisory period | 5% | 7.5% |
| Fieldwork hours per period | 20 to 160 | 20 to 160 |
| Observation with client per period | 60 minutes (cumulative) | 90 minutes (cumulative) |
| Individual supervision | At least 50% | At least 50% |
| Unrestricted activities | At least 60% of total | At least 60% of total |

Applicants after January 1, 2027, use the **2027 monthly and final fieldwork verification forms**.[1]

**Supervisor qualifications.** Supervisors must be active BCBAs with no current disciplinary sanctions, and either certified for at least one year
  and meeting the supervision CEU requirement, or certified for less than a year and receiving monthly consultation from
  a qualified consulting supervisor.
  [1]

## What about continuing education?

To maintain certification, BCBAs need **32 CEUs** in each 2-year cycle, including **4 in ethics** and **4 in supervision** for those who supervise. Since March 2025, ethics CEUs can also cover cultural and contextual responsiveness.[1] See [What are the BCBA CEU requirements?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/bcba-continuing-education)

## What should trainees and supervisors do now?

- [ ] Confirm which rules apply based on your application date
- [ ] Switch to the 2027 fieldwork forms when required
- [ ] Check the observation minutes each period
- [ ] Track unrestricted hours so you stay above 60%

**Always check the source.** Requirements change. Before making decisions, read the current BCBA Handbook on the BACB website.
  [2]

Read next: [How does BCBA supervised fieldwork work?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/bcba-supervised-fieldwork)

## Common questions

### Do the 2027 rules apply to me if I'm already doing fieldwork?

The rules depend on when you apply. If you apply on or after January 1, 2027, you must meet the 2027 requirements, including the 2027 fieldwork forms. Check the BACB's transition guidance for your situation.

### Is Pathway 2 going away?

The BACB has announced it will remove Pathway 2 in 2032. If you're planning a Pathway 2 route, leave plenty of margin.

### Did the number of fieldwork hours change?

No. It's still 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated fieldwork.

## Sources

1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: 2027 BCBA requirements (updated 02/2026). https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2027-BCBA-Requirements_260127-a.pdf
2. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: BCBA Handbook. https://www.bacb.com/bcba-handbook/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.